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Emerging Brands

Emerging Brands

Scott Taylor hits the ground running as CEO of Cherry Bounce Hospitality

 By Joe Guszkowski on May 31, 2024

The industry veteran with a knack for scaling full-service brands is bringing his expertise to three Southeastern mainstays and is on the hunt for more.

Emerging Brands

Cracker Barrel slows development of Maple Street Biscuit Co.

 By Peter Romeo on May 30, 2024

Resources and management's attention will be focused on a rejuvenation of the company's namesake brand, whose traffic is down 20% year to date, executives told Wall Street Thursday.

Emerging Brands

5 pre-emerging restaurant brands ready for takeoff

By Lisa Jennings on May 23, 2024

These small concepts are still proving out their ideas, but each shows promise as a potential candidate for the next generation of emerging chains.

Emerging Brands

Fuzzy's Taco Shop to open 40 restaurants in Arizona and Texas

By Joe Guszkowski on May 23, 2024

The development agreements represent a return to unit growth for the fast-casual Mexican chain under new owner Dine Brands, the parent of Applebee's and IHOP.

Financing

How Chip City Cookies plans to use a second round of funding from Danny Meyer's investment arm

By Lisa Jennings on May 08, 2024

The Series B funding brings the Enlightened Hospitality Investments total to $17.5 million, which will help the 38-unit chain compete in the crowded cookie segment.

Operations

Just Salad jumps on the drive-thru bandwagon

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 30, 2024

Freshly made drive-thru salads are increasingly becoming a thing. This fast-casual chain is ramping up growth in both urban and suburban locations, with car customers in mind.

Emerging Brands

Chipotle officially kills Farmesa as potential second concept

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 25, 2024

Farmesa's healthful bowl menu was tested but CEO Brian Niccol said the company is focused on growing Chipotle into an iconic brand.

Marketing

Inside 7 Brew's no-frills loyalty program, where nearly every guest is a member

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 14, 2024

Thanks to a sign-up process that is baked into its operations, 92% of transactions at the fast-growing drive-thru coffee chain come from known guests.

Emerging Brands

How breakfast player Squeeze In is primping to find its future growth partner

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 04, 2024

Squeeze In is known for omelets, generously boozy brunch cocktails and a joyfully wacky community vibe. Here's how the two sisters who own the brand plan to reach 100 units within a decade.